re."

"I know, dear," replied Aileen, "it might not make so much difference
if they did know. I don't see why it should. We are not the only ones
that have had marriage troubles, I'm sure.

"There's just one thing about this; either they accept us or they
don't. If they don't, well and good; we can't help it. We'll go on
and finish the house, and give them a chance to be decent. If they
won't be, there are other cities. Money will arrange matters in New
York--that I know. We can build a real place there, and go in on equal
terms if we have money enough--and I will have money enough," he added,
after a moment's pondering. "Never fear. I'll make millions here,
whether they want me to or not, and after that--well, after that, we'll
see what we'll see. Don't worry. I haven't seen many troubles in this
world that money wouldn't cure."

His teeth had that even set that they always assumed when he was
dangerously in earnest. He took Aileen's hand, however, and pressed it
gently.

"Don't worry," he repeated. "Chicago isn't the only city, and we won't
be the poorest people in America, either, in ten years. Just keep up
your courage. It will all come out right. It's certain to."

Aileen looked out on the lamp-lit length of Michigan Avenue, down which
they were rolling past many silent mansions. The tops of all the lamps
were white, and gleamed through the shadows, receding to a thin point.
It was dark, but fresh and pleasant. Oh, if only Frank's money could
buy them position and friendship in this interesting world; if it only
would! She did not quite realize how much on her own personality, or
the lack of it, this struggle depended.

Chapter X

A Test

The opening of the house in Michigan Avenue occurred late in November
in the fall of eighteen seventy-eight. When Aileen and Cowperwood had
been in Chicago about two years. Altogether, between people whom they
had met at the races, at various dinners and teas, and at receptions of
the Union and Calumet Clubs (to which Cowperwood, through Addison's
backing, had been admitted) and those whom McKibben and Lord
influenced, they were able to send invitations to about three hundred,
of whom some two hundred and fifty responded. Up to this time, owing to
Cowperwood's quiet manipulation of his affairs, there had been no
comment on his past--no particular interest in it. He had money,
affable ways, a magnetic personality. The business men of the
city-